Global specialised polymer development juggernaut PolyOne will have a multi-faceted presence at NPE2015, where it will be focusing on new technologies, design and 3D printing.

NPE 3DP
This prototype heat sink for an LED ceiling light was moulded in PVC from 3D printed inserts produced at the PolyOne Innovation Center in Avon Lake, Ohio.
In addition to its customer innovation centre, PolyOne is sponsoring and exhibiting in the NPE3D Printing zone in light of the organisation's commitment to explore additive manufacturing as the technology opens doors for manufacturing.
Cathy Dodd, Vice-President of Marketing at PolyOne, commented: "We are working to find ways in which 3D printing can take our customers to a new level of innovation. Together with our design resources, we are exploring this technology to help customers evaluate multiple iterations faster and optimise their manufacturing process as well as their product’s performance and aesthetics."
In addition to this foray into generative and additive manufacturing, PolyOne will unveil five "exceptional new technologies" at NPE.
"We're excited to talk with customers at NPE about the ways in which our specialty formulations, technical and design services, and innovative polymer science can be used to energise their product development process and business objectives," said Dodd.
PolyOne's customer innovation centre (Room S230 BC) will highlight advanced polymer formulations that help brand owners and manufacturers grow and evolve while also allowing their customers to get more done.
As a co-sponsor and exhibitor at NPE3D Printing Premier (Booth S35014), PolyOne will display its progress in developing materials for 3D printing under the Ohio Third Frontier initiative, as well as examples of 3D printed prototypes and tooling.
New technologies that will launch at NPE 2015 include
- Geon BIO flexible vinyl is a non-phthalate material that offers 30 per cent bio-based content with no performance tradeoffs and excellent processability for healthcare, footwear and furniture applications.
- reSound NF reinforced materials are based on an eco-conscious, natural fibre-filled technology and are in current evaluations at several key automotive OEMs for use in under-the-hood, lighting, and semi-structural components.
- Geon Bold vinyl solutions are dark, richly coloured materials that stand up to the elements, especially heat build up, without losing their intensity or performance for windows, fencing, decking and siding.
- Versaflex VDT Vibration Damping TPE for Overmoulding enables manufacturers of consumer electronics, power tools, sporting goods and appliances to add comfort and resilience to their products, providing a better end-user experience.
- ColorMatrix Select is a cloud-based liquid colour creation and supply service that combines advanced liquid colorants, Web-accessed software, and automated dispensing technology to enable brand managers, converters and designers to take greater control of their colour development and supply chain.
- IQ Design Labs and InVisiO Color and Design Services will be featured at NPE as well. Combining design and market insights with specialty colorants and polymers, these services inspire creativity and leverage design, materials and colour development expertise at the beginning of product development projects to reduce risk, strengthen brand equity and increase speed to market.
Additionally, a number of PolyOne experts will be speaking at the following conference events during NPE:
SPI Business of Plastics Conference
Giles Branthwaite, Strategic Project Manager, PolyOne ColorMatrix: “Accelerating Color Development and Supply With an Innovative Liquid Color System”
Victoria Sayer, Global Regulatory Manager, PolyOne ColorMatrix: “Achieving Global Clearance for New Food Contact Plastic Additives” and “Addressing Exposure and Toxicity in Meeting EU Regulation 10/2011 Requirements”
IDSA South Pre-Conference Design Sessions
Chris Bray, PolyOne IQ Design Labs: Panelist for “Bridging the Communication Gap: How to ‘Talk Designer’”
ANTEC 2015
Jane Spikowski, PolyOne: “Fatigue Performance of Fused Deposition Modeling Style: 3D Printed vs. Injection Molded”
Roger Avakian, PolyOne: “A Formulator’s Perspective on Meeting Needs in the Plastics Marketplace”
Jason Zhu, PolyOne: “Comparison of Flame Retardancy Performance: Injection Molding vs. 3D Printing”